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Job outlook for operating room nurses in the United States
Operating room nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operating room nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for operating room nurses are projected over the next decade.
Operating room nurse salaries have increased 10% for operating room nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 53,071 operating room nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 545,487 active operating room nurse job openings in the US.
The average operating room nurse salary is $68,255.
Are operating room nurse jobs in demand?
Operating room nurse job and salary trends over time
Operating room nurse jobs over time
Operating room nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 53,071 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 52,033 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 52,042 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 51,619 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 50,736 | 0.02% |
Average operating room nurse salary over time
Operating room nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,255 | $32.82 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $66,416 | $31.93 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $64,993 | $31.25 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $63,426 | $30.49 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $62,021 | $29.82 | +1.4% |
Operating room nurse jobs by state
Most common states for operating room nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 548 | 63% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 838 | 62% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,015 | 59% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 596 | 57% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 345 | 55% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 708 | 53% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 392 | 52% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 337 | 49% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 441 | 46% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 317 | 43% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,824 | 42% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 241 | 42% |
| 13 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 8,532 | 41% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 5,116 | 40% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,247 | 40% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 827 | 40% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,213 | 39% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 746 | 39% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,768 | 37% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,397 | 34% |
Most common cities for operating room nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pflugerville | 35 | 59% | $62,314 |
| 2 | Cedar Park | 37 | 54% | $62,374 |
| 3 | Round Rock | 44 | 36% | $62,305 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 49 | 10% | $66,082 |
| 5 | Urban Honolulu | 31 | 9% | $114,826 |
| 6 | Saint Louis | 27 | 9% | $62,329 |
| 7 | Austin | 50 | 5% | $62,449 |
| 8 | Boston | 35 | 5% | $72,516 |
| 9 | Sacramento | 24 | 5% | $100,340 |
| 10 | Miami | 23 | 5% | $56,264 |
| 11 | Washington | 29 | 4% | $74,282 |
| 12 | Memphis | 23 | 4% | $47,267 |
| 13 | San Diego | 37 | 3% | $99,148 |
| 14 | Columbus | 29 | 3% | $68,326 |
| 15 | Fort Worth | 27 | 3% | $61,012 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 26 | 3% | $102,260 |
| 17 | Houston | 37 | 2% | $61,536 |
| 18 | Dallas | 25 | 2% | $60,673 |
| 19 | New York | 45 | 1% | $80,998 |
| 20 | Los Angeles | 36 | 1% | $101,221 |
Operating Room Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operating room nurse experts
California State University - Chico
Molloy College
Troy University
New York University
California State University - Dominguez Hills
University of Detroit Mercy
Prairie View A & M University
Mars Hill University
Missouri State University
New York University
New York University
Western Carolina University
Elmhurst University
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Cedar Crest College
OSF HealthCare
Missouri Baptist University
San Jose State University
What Operating Room Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Most hospitals have set rates for nurses but if you are looking to maximize your salary, I would say location location location. Certain areas of the country pay more than others, be willing to move to maximize your earning potential. Hospitals might also pay more for certifications or a bachelor’s degree as well.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Operating Room Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Technological Proficiency, Cultural Competence, Focus on Preventive Care and Health Promotion, Interprofessional Collaboration.
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Specialize, Further Education, Negotiate, Explore Alternative Settings, Stay Updated.
Kayla Jackson RN BSN
BSN Success CoachTroy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: The advice I would give to new graduates entering the field would be to cultivate resilience, as nursing is an emotionally and physically demanding profession. Develop coping skills, seek out help and support early, and prioritize self-care to help prevent burnout. I would also encourage you to stay adaptable and embrace life-long learning. Healthcare is a constantly evolving field with continuous advancements and changes in protocol. As nurses, we must stay flexible and adapt to these constant changes and keep an open mind for learning as well as new opportunities. Lastly, nursing is a collaborative field. Therefore, we must foster strong relationships with our colleagues and patients in order to be the best advocate we can be for the patients and provide the highest quality of care.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Nurse?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: In the daily routine of a registered nurse, tasks vary widely from managing patient care, making important decisions, individualizing care plans, educating patients and resolving issues. Registered nurses administer medications, communicate empathetically, and advocate for patients ensuring their needs are addressed. Case management is crucial and overseeing seamless care transitions. Advanced practice registered nurses are licensed to diagnose and prescribe treatments, advancing patient care with precision and specialized knowledge.
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Nurse?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What Operating Room Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC
Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of PracticeWhat Operating Room Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: In today's world, nurses must be well-versed in technology as we have seen a rise in telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of technology will also play a crucial role in effective communication that is easy to understand, succinct, and culturally appropriate when providing healthcare services and education. However, we must remember that we cannot rely solely on technology but remain focused on the human side of caring as nurses. Other pertinent skills that will become important would be empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability in healthcare, as it is constantly changing. Having these skills can save a client's life.
Clare Chambers
Assistant Professor of NursingMars Hill University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Operating Room Nurse resumes?
Clare Chambers: Skills that typically stand out on RN resumes include special certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN). Managers also tend to pay attention to applicants who have volunteer experience or are members of nursing organizations within their educational programs or nationally. Other useful skills include any previous electronic medical record experience or working at the bedside previously as a certified nurse assistant if the nurse is newly licensed.
What soft skills should all Operating Room Nurses possess?
Clare Chambers: Soft skills are a critical part of any healthcare profession. The key skills for nurses specifically are leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, intrinsic motivation, effective communication, excellent work ethic, and having a positive attitude. Emotional intelligence and empathy are also gaining more recognition as critical to long-term career success and effective patient care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operating Room Nurses?
Clare Chambers: Technical skills are critical for safe and effective nursing care. Some essential skills include the ability to safely start an IV, give oral medications, administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, take vital signs, do a thorough head-to-toe assessment, chart effectively, and utilize emergency safety equipment. Hard skills, in addition to foundational skills required for every nursing job, are going to be tailored to the specific specialty chosen by each nurse and that area of practice.
What skills will help Operating Room Nurses earn the most?
Clare Chambers: There is a national nursing shortage. This has increased due to older nurses reaching retirement age along with the ongoing pandemic. Certain specialty certifications may increase a nurse's salary. Typically salaries are driven by years of experience, the geographical location, and any specific salary structures or scales that are implemented by the hospital system itself. Nurses who are newly hired are often able to secure sign-on bonuses, moving stipends, and increased hourly pay if they have previous experience in the specialty area in which they are applying. I would encourage any new nurses to reach out to experienced nurses in their community and do some research on what base pay rate they should expect, and meet with human resources to discuss benefits, especially continuing education, before signing any contracts.
Dr. Monika Feeney
Department Head for the School of Anesthesia and School of NursingMissouri State University
School of Nursing
What skills stand out on Operating Room Nurse resumes?
Dr. Monika Feeney: Firstly to be a nurse, you have to pass multiple skills and technical duties to even be allowed to practice - one is not more important than another since all are patient care skills, and our graduates are taught to be safe providers. In addition, you have to pass a challenging board examination, the NCLEX. You need to be well-rounded and have technical skills as well as the mental capacity to assess and make safe decisions. Resilience and the ability to function safely in an ever-changing healthcare system are important. A kind and caring attitude with a hardworking spirit are what makes a great nurse. The ability to empathize and think on your feet is always important - not just during the current COVID situation. Hands that give kind care as well as a heart that cares.
Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.
What skills will help Operating Room Nurses earn the most?
Dr. Monika Feeney: Advanced practice skills/certifications generally increase your income potential.
What skills will help Operating Room Nurses earn the most?
Beth Latimer: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Natalya Pasklinsky
Executive Director of Simulation LearningNew York University
Rory Meyers College of Nursing
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operating Room Nurses?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Technical skills are important to master. However, this happens more so "on the job" rather than at graduation. Only practice makes perfect when mastering a skill, and having daily interactions with patients will develop those hard technical skills necessary for success.
What skills will help Operating Room Nurses earn the most?
Natalya Pasklinsky: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, School of NursingWestern Carolina University
College of Health and Human Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operating Room Nurses?
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Clinical skills specific to the nurse's setting, electronic recordkeeping, patient assessment, and prioritizing appropriate interventions.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Operating Room Nurse resumes?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: I believe organizations are looking for nurses who can articulate in their cover letter what made their education experience unique - specific nursing electives, possible travel abroad that would translate into cultural competence or portfolios that list specific course accomplishments if available.
What soft skills should all Operating Room Nurses possess?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: The most important skill for new nursing graduates is critical thinking. You will be put into varying roles and assume different responsibilities. You must critically think and evaluate situations you find yourself in and make wise nursing decisions. Another important skill that we emphasize in education is communication - this is key to safe, quality care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Operating Room Nurses?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.
What soft skills should all Operating Room Nurses possess?
Kim Raines: Graduates have been confronted with harsh realities. They have had considerable remote learning which may have made them wiser to the value of being in person compared to a recording or reading and learning independently. Of course, there is a place for both. Some graduates have been even more personally affected by the pandemic. They may have suffered through the grim and enduring loss of hospitalized loved ones, many of whom were completely isolated. Graduates need to understand fully; the power of human touch, and the how and why superb communication - however limited it may be - is a lifeline for patients and families. Teamwork, flexibility and interpersonal skills take on a new meaning in the pandemic healthcare world. New graduates will need to focus on deliberate practices for staying well themselves (physically and emotionally) but also be extraordinarily conscious of ways to support their co-workers in real time and perhaps off the job as well.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operating Room Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Kim Raines: There are a couple of angles to this. Certainly, there is an increasing burnout rate developing among various healthcare professionals. A survey conducted in December of 2020, by www.businesswire.com, a division of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and a provider of professional liability insurance for medical professionals speaks to this. In the survey, "Nearly half (48%) have considered either retiring, quitting their jobs, or changing their careers altogether, while the same number say that their mental health has deteriorated." This has incredible implications going forward.
Telehealth is here to stay. Patients and providers alike have found distinct advantages to telemedicine and a way to meet the needs of more individuals. Mental health is an excellent example of a rapidly growing area of telemedicine. Insurance companies, representing patients or providers will need to be creative in accommodating the need while ensuring quality in this exploding environment.
What's a day at work look like for an Operating Room Nurse?
Kim Raines: The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare will be long-lasting. Staffing concerns and the direct impact on the education and preparation of our graduates to name just two things leads to the need for greater flexibility from student and preceptor. Preceptors may need to allow more time for orientation and graduates will need to maximize opportunities provided by stressed preceptors. The landscape of healthcare is evolving rapidly. New units have been created and nurses are caring for changing populations. Graduates will need to be able to accommodate under new stresses. Prayerfully, each team member can find the inner strength and commitment required to live well, work well and support one another for sustaining an especially resilient workforce well into the future.
Wendy Robb Ph.D.
Dean & Professor, School of Nursing, Hazel and Walter May Nursing Endowed Chair for Excellence in NursingCedar Crest College
School of Nursing
What will help Operating Room Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: To maximize your earning potential as a nurse entering the field, pursue certifications in specialty areas that increase marketability. Large hospital networks in urban areas often have higher pay scales and working nights, holidays, and weekends will often result in differential pay that will boost earnings. Negotiating your salary based on qualifications and market research can also maximize earnings. Never stop learning! Continually seek the next opportunity for growth. Don't be stagnant, advance your education with a new degree and seek niche positions that fulfill you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operating Room Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Lori Wiegand: Like many health care providers, OSF HealthCare has been dealing with challenges created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether through hiring new or supporting existing staff. This begins with our two colleges of nursing, where we train new nurses who will be providing bedside care to our patients and those looking for advanced degrees. We have had to adjust and adapt our classes, moving portions online. While challenging, this has helped our students learn new skills that will benefit them as bedside nurses when focusing on what the patient needs and how to provide the best care. They have embraced the challenge.
One of the programs we have to help nursing students is our Nursing Pathway to Professional program. The goal of this program is to provide unique opportunities for nursing students and new graduates. We offer five tracts that allow nursing students and new graduates the opportunity to build on their knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing patient care while considering the progression of their education as they move along the continuum from novice to expert nurse. OSF HealthCare is committed to our students, and all of the nurses we employ as Mission Partners in their learning journey.
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Nurse?
Lori Wiegand: As a 14-hospital Ministry, our greatest hiring need is nurses in a range of roles. In a typical year, the first year as a nurse can be challenging, making the classroom transition to bedside nurse. COVID-19 has only increased that pressure as we deal with ever-changing regulations and guidance, fears for the health and safety of our Mission Partners, and staffing challenges created when someone or a member of their family gets sick. To help ease the transition, OSF HealthCare has created the First Year as an OSF Nurse program developed for launch in January. All new graduates and new-hire RNs will be required to participate in this program, specifically designed to support them throughout their first year with OSF HealthCare. A broad range of aspects will be incorporated as new hires work with established nurses in this mentorship program.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operating Room Nurses?
Lori Wiegand: OSF HealthCare believes this Transition to Practice program will build a strong foundation for nursing, with best-practice guidelines that support quality care for our patients. We expect the successful implementation of this program will improve nurses' retention and positively impact our workforce commitment and patient experience.
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE
Assistant ProfessorMissouri Baptist University
School of Nursing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operating Room Nurses?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduates. We have already seen that our students have reported abbreviated or virtual orientations. The first year of nursing has historically been a time when we see the burnout of young nurses. However, the stressors have tremendously increased due to the pandemic and strain that it has placed on the healthcare system. Graduates report increased patient loads and a lack of adequate support services to aid in orientation to the competent nurse role. Despite these challenges, our graduates have shown extreme resiliency and perseverance even in these tough times.
What type of skills will young Operating Room Nurses need?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: In addition to critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, students should also have resiliency and emotional intelligence skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operating Room Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Hampton Ph.D.: I don't know if I would call these trends, but the challenges I'm hearing and learning about from my students, who are already nurses, are:
Acute care settings are challenged with increased workload and understaffing. They are cross-training nurses from other departments to work in ICU or other places, for which they might not have the experience to meet the hospital's needs or organization. They're also using registry nurses.
Nurses in settings that provide non-urgent services might be laid off or working reduced hours, i.e., elective surgery centers.
I had signed up as an emergency worker with the State of California and, from time to time, receive emails that skilled nursing facilities need staff also.
Essentially, there's always work in nursing, but what varies is the setting, and new nurses will have to consider the level of risk they can accept and are prepared to handle.